By Saio Marrah
Following the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA)’s call on the Chinese Embassy in Freetown for effective collaboration and partnership in helping the agency delivers on its core mandates, the Chinese embassy has donated office and disaster equipment to NDMA.
20 office chairs, 50 towel blankets, 50 pairs of rain shoes, 80 raincoats and four Huawei mobile phones were presented to NDMA at the embassy’s Spur Loop location on Tuesday 12th October 2021.
Speaking on behalf of the Chinese Government, Ambassador Hu Zhangliang, said China is committed in supporting the NDMA in making sure it succeeds in managing disaster-related incidents, reduce the vulnerability of prone communities and increase their resilience in responding to natural hazards.
The protocol officer at the embassy, Jing expressed his satisfaction at the numerous interventions by NDMA in responding to fire, windstorm and other forms of disaster incidents which have impacted the lives of over 12,000 people across the country. He assured of his Embassy’s continued support to the NDMA, noting that adequate preparedness measures are essential and noted that disaster risk can never be completely eliminated.
“Preparedness through early warning systems save lives and protect livelihoods and is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce the impact of disasters and that this’s exactly what prompted our response”, he said.
Receiving the donations, the Deputy Director General of NDMA, John Vandi Roger expressed his agency’s gratitude for the donation which he said was a clear manifestation of China’s long standing commitment to help Sierra Leone in various ways. He pointed out that the donation is timely as it will better position the NDMA to adequately put them on a better footing to respond to disaster incidents. He also assured the embassy of proper management of the equipment.
Copyright © Politico Online 13/10/21
